Comparative Analysis of Security Agendas of BRICS, SCO and ASEAN in 2009-2022

The proposed study aims to undertake a comprehensive comparative analysis of the security agendas pursued by the BRICS, SCO, and ASEAN from 2009 to 2022, with a classification division spanning military, political, economic, societal, and environmental security. Through this examination, the study intends to explore the nuances and variations in the security priorities, policies, and actions of these influential regional organisations over the specified timeframe. By identifying patterns and shifts in their approaches to security across these dimensions, the research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics shaping regional security landscapes and the evolving roles of these organisations in addressing contemporary security challenges. In addition, the study will analyse decision-making processes across multiple levels, including institutional, state, and individual levels. By dissecting these levels of decision-making, the research aims to elucidate the intricate dynamics and factors influencing security policy formulation and implementation within each organisation. This multifaceted analysis is anticipated to offer valuable insights into the complexities of cooperative security governance and the diverse mechanisms through which regional organisations address security challenges in the contemporary geopolitical landscape. While analysing three hypothesis will be studied. A hypothesis I is put forward suggesting that the predominant emphasis in BRICS is on financial security, which reflects the economic power and priorities of its member states. On the contrary, it is assumed that both the SCO and ASEAN pay more attention to military security, given the historical geopolitical tensions and security challenges existing in their respective regions. This hypothesis aims to highlight the differences in the security priorities and strategic orientations of these cooperation platforms, reflecting the unique geopolitical conditions and strategic imperatives shaping their security programs. Moreover, a second hypothesis is put forward, suggesting that the Allison Model III offers a more nuanced and comprehensive framework for understanding the mechanisms underlying security-related decision-making. This hypothesis asserts that Model III, which integrates considerations of bureaucratic politics, governmental politics, and systemic politics, offers a heightened level of precision in capturing the intricate interplay of factors shaping security policy formulation and implementation within these organisations. The other hypothesis II posits that the SCO's emphasis on counterterrorism and development aid, BRICS' focus on development and conflict resolution, and ASEAN's prioritization of social sustainable development will remain central themes in their discussions. This implies that organizations established with specific objectives and dedicated bodies, such as the SCO's focus on security matters or others addressing economic issues, will uphold consistent security agendas over time. The last hypothesis III posits that the organizational structure of SCO, ASEAN, and BRICS, along with their specialized bodies, significantly influence their security agendas. This suggests that the established structures and mechanisms within these organizations play a crucial role in shaping their approach to security issues, affecting the development and implementation of security agendas over time. In testing the hypothesis this study utilises Buzan's security classification and Allison's Three Models framework. Employing a multi-method approach, the study integrates discourse analysis, content analysis, and comparative analysis methodologies. Also, python will serve as the primary coding language for conducting research due to its versatility, extensive libraries, and ease of use, facilitating efficient data analysis, modelling, and experimentation. Through the application of these methodologies, the research aims to comprehensively examine the mechanisms underpinning security-related decision-making within cooperative platforms. The utilisation of Buzan's classification allows for a nuanced understanding of the diverse dimensions of security addressed by these platforms, while Allison's Three Models framework provides a structured analytical lens for exploring the decision-making processes involved.